Genesis – The Way We Walk: Live in Concert DVD Review

The Way We Walk – Live in Concert, originally released in 1993 and reissued on DVD in 2001, offers fans an intimate and electrifying glimpse into the band’s We Can’t Dance tour. Filmed over three nights at London’s Earls Court in November 1992, this concert video is a vibrant showcase of Genesis’s remarkable musicianship and theatrical flair.

The setlist

The concert’s setlist spans the breadth of Genesis’s career, balancing the fresh sounds of their We Can’t Dance album with nostalgic nods to their prog-rock roots. Tracks like “No Son of Mine” and “Driving the Last Spike” highlight the band’s narrative depth, while hits like “Invisible Touch” and “I Can’t Dance” bring infectious energy to the show. The “Old Medley” is a highlight for long-time fans, weaving together excerpts from classics like “Dance on a Volcano” and “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” with snippets of crowd favorites such as “Misunderstanding” and “Follow You Follow Me.”

The juxtaposition of tracks like the hauntingly beautiful “Fading Lights” with the playful “Jesus He Knows Me” underscores the band’s versatility. Phil Collins’s humor shines for example during his band introduction in “Turn It On Again,” where he wittily references Mike Rutherford’s Mike + the Mechanics hits.

Stunning Stage Production

The We Can’t Dance tour featured one of Genesis’s most ambitious stage setups to date. The Plexiglas stage, Vari*Lites, and massive Jumbotron screens added a cinematic quality to the performances. During “Domino,” Collins was lifted on a hydraulic platform, appearing to step into an animated sequence—a perfect blend of music and visual storytelling.

The in-ear monitoring system, a first for the band, also enhanced the performances, allowing Collins to deliver his vocals effortlessly. As he remarked, this innovation not only improved his singing but also preserved his voice throughout the demanding tour schedule.

The DVD Experience

The 2001 DVD release elevates the The Way We Walk experience with an array of special features. These include a feature-length commentary by Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford, as well as multi-angle viewing options that let viewers see the concert from various perspectives. A slide show and the original tour programme provide additional glimpses into the tour’s creative process.

For fans who enjoy diving deep into the band’s dynamics, the interviews offer candid insights into their thoughts on the tour and their music. However, some of these extras were omitted in the 2009 reissue as part of the Genesis Movie Box 1981–2007, which condensed the concert to a single DVD and removed the multi-angle feature.

A Legacy Captured

As Phil Collins’s final tour as the band’s frontman, the We Can’t Dance performances carry a sense of celebration and farewell. The chemistry between Collins, Rutherford, and Banks—alongside long-time collaborators Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson—is palpable throughout the show.

Notably, the live arrangements bring fresh nuances to familiar tracks. The extended intros and outros of “I Can’t Dance,” for instance, turn the song into a playful spectacle, complete with Collins’s famous dance moves and humorous interactions with the audience.

Conclusion

The Way We Walk – Live in Concert captures not only the technical brilliance of Genesis’ performances but also the warmth and humor that made their live shows so memorable. Whether you’re revisiting this iconic tour or experiencing it for the first time, this DVD is a testament to why Genesis remains one of the greatest live acts in rock history.

What are your favorite moments from The Way We Walk? Let us know in the comments below!

One Reply to “Genesis – The Way We Walk: Live in Concert DVD Review”

  1. watch closely and you will
    see Chester thompson quickly dispose of his massive headphones halfway through driving the last spike.
    watch and study EVEN CLOSER and you will witness Chester BREAK one of his drumsticks clean in half during ‘dreaming while you sleep’!!!

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